Nostalgic memories of South Benfleet's local history
Share your own memories of South Benfleet and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 18 in total
The photo of Station Hill reminds me of many happy days spent at my aunts house further down the hill ,she lodged in a lovely house with a balcony across the front owned by a couple Em and Bert who owned an enormous brown and white dog called Sport.I went to Benfleet from 1944 to the early sixties mostly for the summer holidays and freedom to wander were ever I wanted to.Trips by bus to ...see more
I was only young when my family left Macs cafe, I lived there with my mum Dorothy, father Arthur King, brother Adrian, and sister Delicia King. My half brothers are Brian, Ken, John Cripps, and sister Daphne Cripps. I have good memories of that old cafe, It stood on the main road a13 near the cross roads near the Tarpots pub, there was a garage next to the cafe. People I remember are David Newman, the big family ...see more
On the left of this photograph is The Hoy & Helmet pub at South Benfleet, which was originally built in the 15th century, with later extensions. The ‘hoy’ of the pub’s intriguing name was a broad, flat-bottomed sailing boat that was used to transport both cargo like farming produce and passengers along the coast and on the Thames; from this came the nautical cry of ‘Ahoy’, used to hail a ...see more
Does anyone have any information regarding the history of No 93 High Road, Benfleet - currently Nicky's Nails, previously Golden Travel - I would like to know what the property was used for prior to 1970 and its occupants.
Did anyone live on or near Merrivale in Benfleet in the 60's
When I was 4 years old I lived on an ex troop carrier which we named the Rembrant (its name was originally the Martello, I think). There was a storm and the moorings gave way and we were adrift at the mercy of rough waters and towering over the smaller houseboats. Mum had to throw my baby sister Heather down into the arms of someone in a dinghy, while we children were standing on the ...see more
I have a small picture hanging on my wall, which is a print of a painting by my late father Harry Russell. It depicts the view shown in the picture, but from an era slightly before. Not a lot different.
I can remember the cockle shed that was there, and who can remember the orchard behind the pub, the Hoy and Helmet?? We used to climb over the wall from the graveyard and pinch carrots of all things. I vividly ...see more
I was born on a houseboat right near the bridge to Canvey. I don't remember too much as we were only there for 4 or so years. But things I do remember are running round the rail on the boat and falling in, more than once! and getting hauled up by a rope and on the other end was a very unhappy father. And swimming with my sisters and trying to get out before those darn crabs snipped at your feet. I also remember ...see more
My grandmother's family originated on Canvey Island, farming at Wrack Hall from some time in the early 19th century until the death of my great great grandfather, Edward Morley, in 1863. Wrack Hall was so named because it was built from the timbers of a ship named the 'Ajax', which went aground on South Shoebury - if anyone knows when, I would be grateful for the information. My e-mail address is ...see more
If this is St. Mary's church my grandmother painted a picture of it and donated it to either the church or the vicar. The signature is either Muriel Swanson or M Swanson. I wonder if it is still in existence?
